Joel Richardson leading Salazar in race for Randall County sheriff

Randall County Chief Deputy Joel Richardson was leading 108th District Court Bailiff Jesse Salazar in the Republican primary race for Randall County sheriff in early voting Tuesday.

Richardson had 5,540 votes, or 85.72 percent, and Salazar had 923 votes, or 14.28 percent of early votes cast.

No Democrats ran for Randall County Sheriff, which means the Republican winner will be the only candidate in November. Unless a write-in candidate upsets the Republican contender, early voting totals indicate Richardson likely will be Randall County's new sheriff.

Randall County Sheriff Harold Hooks announced his retirement Nov. 11 after 15 years in the position. He will vacate the office in January.

Richardson, 45, was backed by Harold Hooks before the primary.

Richardson's campaign platform was based on the continuance of the county's strong tradition of law enforcement. He also campaigned that he would continue to support youth-enhancing programs like D.A.R.E. As chief deputy, Richardson was instrumental in planning the new jail set to open in 2001.

Richardson has been with the department 24 years.

Jesse Salazar, 48, ran his campaign based on a community platform. In his plan, he wanted to start a mentor's program that would have provided positive role models for children. He also wanted to crack down on drugs.